This guide explains “how to import nodes into sing-box” and why you should also check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing. It’s intended for first-time sing-box users. You just need a node link or subscription URL: follow the steps to import it, start the proxy, and then check that it’s working properly.
1. First, check what you have
sing-box has two common import methods: a single node link, such as vless://, vmess://, or trojan://, or a subscription URL, usually an https link that contains multiple nodes. The interface varies slightly between clients, but the basic process is the same: “add a profile” or “import a subscription.” This site collects information about available free nodes. We recommend copying the link and saving it in a notes app first to avoid missing any characters.
- Make sure you have installed a sing-box graphical client for your device, such as the Android, Windows, or macOS version.
- Make sure the node link is complete and contains no extra spaces, line breaks, or Chinese punctuation.
- If you have a subscription URL, choose “Import from URL” rather than manually pasting individual nodes.
- After importing, don’t open your browser right away. First, select a node in the client and start it.
2. General steps for importing nodes into sing-box
Open the sing-box client and find the “Profiles / Config / Subscription” option. Click to add a profile, then choose to import from the clipboard, scan a QR code, or enter a subscription URL. If the client asks for a profile name, enter anything that helps you identify it, such as “freevpn-x node” or “Test subscription.” After saving, return to the home screen, select the profile you just imported, and click Start or Connect.
If you imported a subscription, we recommend updating it once first. If you imported a single node, check that the protocol, address, port, UUID, encryption method, and other fields were recognized correctly. Normally, the client parses these automatically, so you won’t need to enter the underlying parameters manually.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many people assume that connecting to a node means everything is working, but there are three more things to check. First, your IP: when you visit an IP lookup site, it should show the proxy’s exit location, not your local ISP. Second, DNS: if DNS requests still go through your local network, some sites may load while search or video services behave unexpectedly. Third, your browser environment: cached data, cookies, and WebRTC can all reveal information from your previous environment.
- IP address unchanged: The system proxy may not be taking effect. Check whether TUN or system proxy mode is enabled in sing-box.
- DNS issues: Try enabling remote DNS or the DNS leak protection option in the client settings.
- Your browser still shows your old location: Clear the cache, close and reopen the browser, or test in a private window.
- Only the browser isn’t working: Check whether the browser has other proxy extensions installed to avoid rule conflicts.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
If sing-box can’t connect after you import a node, don’t repeatedly reinstall the client. Check the following in order: whether the node has expired, whether the subscription is up to date, whether your device’s clock is accurate, whether you’ve switched between Wi-Fi and mobile data, and whether the client log shows a timeout or auth failed error. A timeout is often related to the network route or an unreachable node; auth failed usually means the node information is incorrect or no longer valid.
Finally, we recommend keeping 2–3 different nodes and testing them in rotation. After updating your subscription, select a node again. Free nodes can have varying levels of availability; this is normal. The best order is: import a node, start the proxy, check your IP, check DNS, then test your browser environment. This makes it much easier to pinpoint any issues.